How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto

The trip from the current capital of Tokyo to the ancient capital of Kyoto is a common journey for those traveling on Japan’s Golden Route, an itinerary popular with first-time visitors to Japan that is based off of a traditional trade road.

Trip Duration Approx. 2 hours 15 mins
First & Last Departure 6:00 AM/9:24 PM
💶 Cost From 13,080 yen
🚆 Distance 445 kilometers
🚉 Departing/Arriving Station Tokyo or Shinagawa/Kyoto Station
Nozomi Shinkansen Bullet TrainMizuho Shinkansen Bullet TrainHikari Shinkansen Bullet TrainKodama Shinkansen Bullet Train

Purchase Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto!

Read more about seat reservations // How to Reserve Seats on the Train in Japan

Oversized Baggage on the Shinkansen

For travelers with large baggage, there are certain requirements that must be met to bring it onto the bullet train. Per Japan Railway regulation, baggage that exceeds a sum of 160cm in dimension (L x W x H) must be placed in the designated oversized baggage section located in the back of the train car, and the owners of such baggage must reserve seats nearby this space. Note that any baggage that exceeds 250cm in total dimensions is not allowed on the Shinkansen at all. 

Exceptions for these baggage rules include things like baby carriages, musical instruments in cases, and sports equipment (like bikes, snowboards, etc.) that are also in cases.

Dimensions for luggage on the Shinkansen bullet train

Read more about oversized baggage rules // New Luggage Reservation Rules for the Shinkansen

To get to Kyoto from Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train is ridden from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station (both in central Tokyo and both on the JR Yamanote Line). The surroundings of Tokyo Station are largely commercial, consisting of upscale, elegant shopping districts and department stores, restaurants that range from quick-eats to fine-dining, and tranquil parks such as Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace Park. Within the station exists an extensive network of more shops and restaurants, as well as a few department stores. 

Shinagawa Station exists in a more business-centric district with a number of affordable, fast-casual dining-oriented restaurants in the area to cater to office workers. However, there are a number of attractions that visitors or those waiting to board their departing Shinkansens can entertain themselves with, including the Maxell Aqua Park and Nikon Camera Museum.

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station

@flickr/ Bernard Spragg

Shinagawa 1

Outside of Shinagawa Station

@Wikimedia

While still a city, Kyoto differs from other major cities in Japan with the absence of towering skyscrapers; instead, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides and laced with traditional architecture. Take advantage of Kyoto’s unique geography and take the time to take a relaxing hike to enjoy the surrounding nature. The hike from Shogunzuka to Seiryuden is one of the easier hikes to do in the area and leads to Chion-in Temple in about two hours. Take in the unhindered view of the city from a high-elevation viewpoint and see Kyoto in a way that you’d never expect.

Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station

@Wikimedia

Shinkansen Nozomi circulant en extérieur

Shinkansen Nozomi

MaedaAkihiko, Wikimedia Commons

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